A high-stakes showdown is unfolding in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, as the Senate Committee on Public Accounts has summoned the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to appear before it on July 10. The committee’s chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, issued the directive after NNPCL officials failed to show up to a scheduled meeting, sparking concerns over their accountability.
At the heart of the matter is a staggering N210 trillion that allegedly went unaccounted for by the company between 2017 and 2023, as highlighted in recent audit reports. The committee had expected NNPCL representatives to provide answers to eleven pressing questions related to these discrepancies, but instead, the company requested a two-month extension to prepare a detailed response. This request was met with swift rejection by Senator Wadada, who condemned the absence of NNPCL officials as a disregard for the committee’s authority.
The senator emphasized that the committee is seeking answers, not documents, and that the GCEO’s appearance on July 10 is non-negotiable. Should Ojulari fail to appear, the committee may be forced to issue an arrest warrant, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Furthermore, Senator Wadada warned that the committee may also adopt audit queries against other agencies that fail to cooperate, including the FCT High Court and the Federal Ministries of Solid Minerals, Steel Development, and Finance.
The developments highlight the Nigerian government’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. As the July 10 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the NNPCL and its GCEO, Bayo Ojulari, to see how they respond to the committee’s summons. The outcome of this standoff will likely have significant implications for the company, the committee, and the broader quest for good governance in Nigeria. With the committee’s patience wearing thin, it remains to be seen whether the NNPCL will meet the deadline and provide the requisite answers, or face the consequences of its actions.
